Why we need to address literacy?
Low literacy costs. Strong literacy pays.
The most recent international skills survey shows that 520,000 people aged 16 to 64 find reading and understanding everyday texts difficult: for example, reading a leaflet, bus timetable or medicine instructions. 754,000 people have difficulties using maths in everyday life for example, basic addition, subtraction and calculating averages.
This has a devastating impact on individuals, families and communities. Unmet literacy and numeracy needs costs everyone: our society, economy and environment, financially and democratically.
Strong literacy pays. Since the 1980s we have worked in partnership with learners, tutors, government departments, public services and others to advance adult literacy policy and practice. This work is supported by evidence-based research which examines international best practice, reviews Irish policy and produces recommendations to support people with unmet literacy, numeracy and digital skills needs.